- KUTX

We’re a little more than halfway through a very rough year, and we can all be thankful for that. Despite a complete shutdown of live music and touring, many artists have gone ahead with their plans to release new music. It’s been a blessing at a time when few others have surfaced. It’s hard to think of the words “best” and “2020” in the same sentence, but here are some highlights that have stuck with us here at KUTX, in this year like no other.

–Jeff McCord

Amy Chambless – Cactus Cafe, Assistant Manager

Khruangbin & Leon Bridges – “Texas Sun”
This mash-up isn’t something I saw coming, but it really works! You can feel the Texas sun beating off the road. Khruangbin takes you on a wandering, psychedelic road trip while Bridges’ soulful vocals ground you firmly in the Lone Star state.

US Girls – “4 American Dollars”
Using disco and pop to address the financial disparity in the US, musician Meghan Remy nails it, saying “we’re on the same boat but different seats.” The song was released just prior to the current financial crisis caused by COVID, and resonates even more so now.

Israel Nash – “Canyonheart”
Nash captures the sound of the surrounding Texas Hill Country where he resides and records. This could as easily be a love song to his environment as it could be to a person. Either way, it is wonderful to hear his continuing flow up uplifting music.

Art Levy – Producer, Host

Nick Hakim – “Qadir”
“Qadir” is an ode to Nick Hakim’s late friend, and in the personal you can find the universal. Hakim tries to sing Qadir back to life, hanging all over the beat as if he’s unwilling to let him go. The music swirls without resolution, showing how pain and death are psychedelic, life-altering experiences.

Little Simz – “one life, might live”
Little Simz barely needs any music around her to grab your attention. On ‘one life, might live,’ the British rapper focuses her flow like she’s sharpening a knife. The beat finally kicks in nearly halfway through, kicking off the parade of the chorus: “I got one life and I might just live it.”

Ultraísta – “Tin King”
There are definite Radiohead fingerprints here, thanks to band members Nigel Godrich (Radiohead’s longtime producer) and Joey Waronker (Atoms For Peace). Laura Bettinson is the catalyst, bringing a weird freshness from her time in the experimental pop group Micachu & the Shapes. This is the kind of electronic song where the human touch is indispensable, with Bettinson’s voice sounding like a hall of mirrors while Godrich and Waronker goad her on.

Deidre Gott – Live Music Producer

Drint – “Make Your Body Say”
One of the last Studio 1A sessions we had in the before times, as R&B/Pop artist Drint released his debut EP Don’t Save Me in late February. The 24-year-old Austin artist has this rich, deep voice that you can feel resonating in your chest. The whole EP sounds fresh and nostalgic at the same time.

Christelle Bofale – “Miles”

Released in February from the Austin singer/songwriter, “Miles” is part Mazzy Star, part Tracey Chapman, and part Alana Davis (note to self: dig out Blame it On Me). Starting with a simple voice and guitar combo, the chorus winds around a subtle sprinkle of harmonies, bass, and keys. Do yourself a favor and don’t just listen once, as this is a grower and you’ll find yourself humming parts weeks later.

Jay Wile – “Walzem”
A standout at The Breaks’ annual Love Lockdown, Jay Wile brought the crowd. Some drove in from Waco to see him play. It was my first time, and I was already low key pissed at myself for missing his two EPs from the previous year (check out “Who’s Loving’ U?”) In early June, the San Antonio native dropped this surprise single to raise money for the family of a young man severely injured by APD during the protests. Expect the six song EP Better Times on July 24 (and listen to it gosh darn it.)

Jack Anderson – Song of the Day Producer

Young T & Bugsey – “Don’t Rush” (feat. Headie One)
Since the mid-twenty-teens, this Nottingham duo’s been perking my ears up with their Caribbean-inspired beats and lackadaisically gritty rhymes. They dropped their debut LP Plead The 5th back in March, an appropriate quarantine soundtrack with their fusion of UK grime, R&B, dancehall, and reggaeton. “Rush” has been in my personal rotation since its release, and has merited more than a few revisits thanks to remixes featuring Busta Rhymes and DaBaby.

Run The Jewels – “yankee and the brave (ep. 4)”
I remember being disappointed when “Ooh La La” came out ahead of RTJ4. DJ Premier is my favorite hip-hop producer, thanks to his outstanding work with Gang Starr and his knack for sampling vocal bits from tracks he’s produced in the past. But dang was I let down when I instantly recognized Greg Nice’s less-than-stellar (okay, let’s just say “corny”) verse from 1994’s “DWYCK” repeated over one of Primo’s least impressive beats. When “yankee” came out as the follow-up, all was forgiven; I was in love with Run the Jewels’ sound all over again. This track recalls the more menacing, nightmarish film score samples employed by predecessors like N.W.A. and Public Enemy, while toeing the line between socially conscious and just plain abrasive (as per usual).

Anderson .Paak – “Lockdown”
It almost seems unfair to label Anderson as…well…anything. His quick climb to fame has been far from unwarranted, with an aura encapsulating his ever-improving skills as a singer, rapper, drummer, guitarist, producer, and lyricist. This new one provided a much-needed commentary amidst quarantine and unrest, and I hope to hear more from Paak soon.

Jay Trachtenberg – Host

Anderson.Paak – “Lockdown”
Up-to-the-minute lyrics and commentary that couldn’t be more relevant, riding an understated beat that at first seems to belie, but ultimately compliments the urgency of the message. Be sure to check out the powerful video.

Stephen Malkmus – “Xain Man”
I almost had an acid flashback the first time I heard this tripped-out tune that captures the lysergic vibes of ‘60s San Francisco. Malkmus has always seemed to embrace this aspect of his home state’s musical legacy. And he even name checks Miles Davis.

Brownout – “Brownie”
Austin’s champions of Latin funk lay down a heavy, mostly instrumental, horn-driven groove that urges you to get up and dance. It’s a good way to shake off those stay-at-home COVID blues.

Jeff McCord – Music Editor, Host

Gabriel Garzon-Montano – “Someone”
He’s only recorded a handful of songs over the years, but this Brooklyn-born son of French-Columbian parents has a knack for bare, stop/start funk that stutter-steps its way into your subconscious. In “Someone”, the narrator’s lover has moved on. He hasn’t. In halting fashion, Garzon-Montano pleads.

“I needed you.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“Oh.”

Anderson.Paak – “Lockdown”
With jazz-like phrasing, Paak captures the Zeitgeist. Like Donald Glover’s “This Is America”, you need the bleak video imagery to fully complement this slow-burn on bigotry, strife, and the sad malaise of the pandemic. Plus, the video includes a great mid-song acapella breakdown from Jay Rock, strangely absent from the streaming version.

Little Simz – “one life, might live”
This actress/rapper is the best of the new breed of UK talent; her poetic flow is a rhythm section all to itself. Drop 6 is one of the best releases of the year, and this is the standout track. (They’re plenty of runners-up, though. Check “you should call mum”) Despite, or maybe because of being made in lockdown isolation, “one life” brims with optimism and braggadocio. Accompanied by little more than a jumpy bassline and some metallic plate percussion, Simz sounds out. “Damn sure innit, every ting vivid.”

Jody Denberg – Host

Bob Dylan – “I Contain Multitudes”
The master returns, with Austin’s Charlie Sexton in tow once again.
It’s the combination of the lyrics AND the music that make this the stand out on Rough And Rowdy Ways.
Shadows and light abound here…

Nick Hakim – “Qadir”
This NY-based singer/songwriter’s second album, “Will This Make Me Good,” contains this elegy to a fallen friend that is gorgeous and haunting. Its sense of loss resonates even deeper during our current times.

X – “Strange Life”
It’s great to have the band’s classic line-up (John Doe, Exene, Billy Zoom, DJ Bonebrake) back on record after 35 years; their new “Alphabetland” stands with their best. It was also great to talk with Austinite Doe on the day of the album’s release for “KUTX At Home” to get insight into the project. Strange days indeed.

Laurie Gallardo – Host

Brendan Benson – “Good To Be Alive”
From one of my favorite albums of the year, just on the heels of fantastic work done as a vocalist/songwriter for another fave, The Raconteurs. Brendan Benson’s seventh solo studio album Dear Life was unleashed into the universe after a very gradual birth, slowly making its way into the world when Benson penned one of his LP’s first tracks “Half A Boy (And Half A Man)” in 2017. Though busy working as a producer or collaborator on other artists’ projects, Benson’s own songs just kept coming out. There was no stopping that genuine melodic rock/pop joy rising to the surface, and “Good To Be Alive” encapsulates the album’s entire mood so well.

Chicano Batman – “Color My Life”
East L.A. outfit Chicano Batman is all about the American experience. And for this El Paso lady, “Color My Life” feels like that summer groove you’re playing as you cruise behind the wheel – or cruise on your skateboard, or…on that damn lowrider bike (check the band’s video for this song – which also nails the mood, bathed in Southern California twilight). It is, indeed, the “lucid dream” vocalist Bardo Martinez references in this hazy-daisy funk/soul jam soaked in gold rays. Another winner on the band’s fourth LP, Invisible People.

Lianne La Havas – “Bittersweet”
UK-based artist Lianne La Havas’ third LP, is her first since 2015’s Blood and also her first self-produced. And from this album, one she considers to be her most “pure expression” to date, is its first single “Bittersweet.” Not exactly sure what it is about the track – perhaps it’s the low-key, sultry beginning, building into a rising vocal fire – but La Havas has her finger on the pulse of something distinctly Marvin Gaye-esque on this gorgeous piece. The lyrics are inspired by a real-life conversation, in which La Havas was at her wits’ end, expressing a desire for distance and time to think – to identify what needs to happen. Swoon-inducing and heart-melting.

Matt Munoz – Cactus Cafe, Manager

Anderson.Paak- “Lockdown”
A great song meeting a very important moment in time, powerfully well-crafted.

Evan Felker & Carrie Rodriguez – “Whiskey in your Water”
Effortless songwriting and performance. Great hooks galore.

Chicano Batman- “color my life”
Funky funky funky and funky!! Did I mention they put the fun in Funky?

Matt Reilly – Program Director

Jake Lloyd – “Crossroading”
This is a huge step forward for Austin’s Lloyd (and KUTX Artist of the Month for July). It’s really well produced and has elements of soul, rock, and hip hop all working together to make this a defiant and anthemic song.

Drive-By Truckers – “Thoughts and Prayers”
Southern rock and social consciousness are not two things people usually associate. Yet DBT’s have made this their lane. Musically, the musicianship is first-rate and is as good as any Americana out right now. Lyrically, it’s a gut punch; holding up a mirror to show our collective inaction on school shootings.

Hey Cowboy! – “Cherry Jerry Citrus”
What an earworm. This Austin outfit (and former KUTX artist of the month) has crafted a memorable, fun tune that reminded me of Peter, Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks”. Not bad company to be in.

Paul Carubba – Host

Little Simz – “one life, might live”
Aloof, cool, gutsy—These are the words one may use if they were to only listen to how British rapper Little Simz recites her lyrics. While she is most assuredly cool, her sometimes brash, sometimes sardonic delivery belies a fragility and insecurity that feels so familiar and genuine to anyone who’s ever had to put up a confident front while reserving deepest feelings for verse scratched into a Moleskine. That is 1000% on display in this track from her latest EP Drop 6. What is also on display is how well the music behind her lyrics completes the scene. On “one life, might live” a deeply groovy bassline moves the song forward. Despite the funk, the bass hints at something sinister under the surface. And that’s part of Little Simz’ brilliance—her songs are great as just songs, but when you dig a little bit, you’ll find so much more.

Fontaines D.C. – “A Hero’s Death”
I sometimes wonder if Fontaines D.C. were created in a lab in order to find the exact right mix of things to make me love a band. Gritty post-punk with a penchant for subverting classic pop song structures? Yup! Hyper-literate, sprechgesang lyrics about hope and despair swirling around a colorful cast of characters? Oh, yeah. There’s all of that in the title track to the Dublin band’s new album, which kicks off with a jaunty-as-hell beat before minor-key guitars crash in and cast a dark shadow. Then you hear lead-singer Grian’s uplifting lyrics about finding joy when it seems like there’s none to be had, and you don’t know what to think other than, damn, this band is badass (because they are).

Gorillaz feat. Slowthai and Slaves – “Momentary Bliss”
Gorillaz are somewhat of a moving target—but that’s often what makes the “band” (i.e. whoever Damon Albarn feels like working with) so exciting. Even when the songs are uneven, at least they took a big swing. The first track in their Song Machine un-album series definitely does. The beat is both punchy and wobbly. The melody is a rollercoaster of energy—going from sedate staccato to mad music hall at the turn of a chord. It’s just so British—which is appropriate considering Albarn the bandleader and his two English guests, punk duo Slaves and rapper Slowthai. Slowthai steals the show with his working-class drawl and frenzied energy (his 2019 full-length Nothing Great About Britain is out-friggin-standing). All-in-all, another slice of delightful weirdness from Gorillaz.

Rick McNulty – Music Director, Host

Wajatta – “Don’t Let Get You Down”
If you whistle along, it can help you forget all about the pandemic.

Run The Jewels – “JU$T”
The repeating line of “Look at all these slave masters posin’ on yo’ dolla” knocked me out. It’s the kind of thing that privileged white guys like me never considered before.

Khruangbin – “Time (You And I)”
Pick any song from this album and it’d be one of my favorites of the year. Tropical and exotic, it puts me into a perfect state of mind.

Ryan Wen – Host

Run the Jewels – “JU$T (Feat. Pharell Williams, Zach De La Rocha)”
I’ll be honest, during quarantine I’ve listened to the least music I ever have. Music just sounds a lot better when you have a life to relate it to. Why do sad songs sound so good? Because you are the protagonist of all of your favorite songs about heartache, love lost, and missed opportunities. The best sad songs evoke and become entangled with all of your personal memories and experiences.
For many of us, there hasn’t been a lot of living over the last few months. Music feels unrelatable because there are no new memories to attach to the new sounds. There aren’t any bars to return from and listen to my favorite country records. No dance floors to dance on. And the hip hop playlist on my commute feels hollow when there’s no city to swallow me up. My isolation-induced torpor was dispelled when once again, the public eye turned onto the fear and violence black and brown Americans suffer on an everyday basis from a law enforcement institution that operates under a philosophy of intimidation over diplomacy.
Of all the music released in response, Run the Jewels – “JU$T” stoked my fire the most. The premise of my favorite hip hop records is the human struggle to survive within an oppressive omnipresent machine. What I enjoy about these records is that, instead of slipping into nihilism, they leverage the odds stacked against them into a source of empowerment, and Killer Mike is a master of this brand of philosophical judo. “JU$T” describes the corruption of a system that oppresses down to the iconography on our currency, but I don’t feel hopeless between Mike’s bars, I feel pissed off–and that’s a good thing. PS, it features the return poet/pugilist Zach De La Rocha, and lord knows we need more artists like him in 2020.

Nick Hakim – “Qadir”
Among the many cruelties that come along with grief is that language is an insufficient tool for describing the way it feels. When you need support and understanding the most, your baseline means for communication betrays you, but this is why art exists–to communicate ideas and feelings that words are not equipped to express.
The centerpiece of Nick Hakim’s latest record Will This Make Me Good is a track named after his close friend that passed away in 2018. A single slow tempo groove persists across its seven and a half minutes as Hakim’s weary voice drifts in and out of the mix. It’s haunting and hypnotic, but if you’re looking for a song with drama or dynamics, look elsewhere. Qadir isn’t trying to tell a story, but describe a feeling.

Soundfounder – Host

Four Tet – “Teenage Birdsong”

The standout track from celebrated English electronic producer Four Tet’s 10th Studio Album, Sixteen Oceans. Complex layers of organic sounds flow seamlessly and build upon one another, without ever feeling cluttered or anxious (aka Four Tet’s signature sound).
Rob From Garden Street – “WITHOUT LOVE”
The Austin Native brings a very high-quality beat music experience by summoning sentiments of early Flying Lotus and Black Moth Super Rainbow interwoven with his own unique synth and sample textures.
Andrea – “Backdrops”
Italian born electronic producer Andrea delivers a beautifully focused sound that is just as energizing as it is relaxing. The electronic percussion on this track seems to bounce and float on the cloud of synth melody and reverb. Perfect with morning coffee.

Susan Castle – Host

Nathaniel Rateliff – “And It’s Still Alright”
When I first heard this song, the title track from his latest solo album, I thought it was a pleasant return to form for the Denver singer/songwriter who gave the world the rockin’ soul hit “S.O.B.” in 2015 with his band the Night Sweats. Nice picking. Nice singing. Nice change of pace. After dozens of passive listens, the third lyrical stanza started grabbing my ear and I finally realized the deep mournfulness of the song…a song about the death of his marriage and the death of his friend, musician-producer Richard Swift. And now when I hear it, I stop whatever I’m doing to listen and deeply feel the sad feels.

“They say you learn a lot out there
How to scorch and burn
Only have to bury your friends
Then you’ll find it gets worse
Standing out on the ledge
With no way to get down
You start praying for wings to grow
Oh, baby, just let go”

Waxahatchee – “Fire”
It’s clear by these first two song choices that sad acoustic songs are what my emotionally-exhausted soul is responding to during the first half of 2020.
“Give me something, it ain’t enough. it ain’t enough.”
Waxahatchee started as an acoustic solo project of Katie Crutchfield 10 years ago and despite adding band members along the way, it’s still all Katie….a “wiser and slow and attuned” artist not for everybody, but definitely for me right now. This is from her fifth studio album Saint Cloud and her first since getting sober. I can’t hear it enough.

Sault – “Don’t Waste My Time”
This technically came out last year, but I discovered it this year, so it’ll forever be connected to 2020 and like my other favs on this list, this is about the feels, but not sad ones…sassy ones with a ‘70s soul/funk/dance vibe where I don’t have to use my brain at all.

Taylor Wallace-Riegel – Host

Holy Wave – “Interloper”
The title track from the Austin group’s new album is one that sets the bait from the first note, inviting you to imbibe a goblet of their garage-psych bouquet, nuanced with Pink Floyd and Magical Mystery Tour notes. When the whole album came out last Friday, I was only halfway through my first listen when I ordered the vinyl. This will be one of the best Austin albums of 2020.

Khruangbin – “So We Won’t Forget”
At this point, who needs to be convinced that when Khruangbin releases, they release? “So We Won’t Forget” is the penultimate song from Mordechai, proving that the trio has not only released yet another perfect album (you heard me, perfect!), but that they know how to spread out the heavyweights for an optimal and exciting listening experience. Swoon.

U.S. Girls – “4 American Dollars”
Megan Remy’s evisceration of capitalism and all it stands for, and folks, I am here for it. Speaking on the intersections of gambling, sex work, and the wealthy profiting on everything – including the vulnerabilities of those same people (and then some), the song is a lot of truth wrapped in an unassuming package. More so, that catchy package of a chorus is a denouncing of currency at large, regardless of where it comes from. Even as I type this I have “I don’t believe in pennies and nickels and dimes and dollars and pesos and pounds and rupees and yen and rubles. No dinero,” bouncing through my shoulders.

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